For south africa's Aspiring authors
Build your future @ZA26
turning manuscripts into books
More Than A Conference
ZAWriter events bridge the gap between solitary writing and the bustling publishing industry.
We gather the brightest minds in South Africa to guide, mentor, and inspire the next generation of authors.
And afterwards we have the PMB Academy for longer term support.
150+
Global
Attendees
Market Vision
Multiple
100%
Diverse Tracks
African Focus
Why Attend?
Invest in your creativity and your future.
Grow
Join practical sessions and real conversations designed to help you grow. Get hands-on with new strategies, explore what’s working for others, and leave with ideas you can actually use.
Connect
Direct access to best publishing specialists from editors to designers to marketing who know and understand the SA market, and build real relationships with people who care about doing great work
Inspire
Meet people who understand what your dream is. Share stories, trade advice, hear from people who’ve been in your shoes and pushed through what’s next.
Writers Retreat
Exclusive experience
Set in its own little valley of 130 hectares of fynbos, this immersive 3-day experience is designed for serious writers ready to help them finalise their manuscripts for publishing. Includes Meet the Author sessions to learn first hand from published authors.
- Peaceful B&B accommodation included in the cost
-
Wednesday evening to Saturday lunchtime
-
Opening dinner, plus buffet lunch Thursday & Friday
- Hermanus, Western Cape
- Daily keynote session
- Developmental workshops
- Limited to 45 spaces (Min 20 to run)
- R4500 - R5000 (estimate)
INCLUSIVE PUBLISHING WORKSHOP
THREE EMPOWERING DAYS
This highly focused 3 day workshop will cover many of the core areas to successfully publishing your book in different formats. From copyright law to cover design, eBooks to different languages, Audiobooks and marketing, and much more
May 20 - 23, 2026
09:00 – 17:00
Oasis Church Centre
Bredell, Gauteng (close to R21 & OR Tambo airport)
125 Seats
Minimum 50
R2750 (inc. lunch Thursday & Friday)
Minimum 50
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Registration & Networking Coffee
Collect your badge and meet fellow writers.
LOCATION: Main Foyer
Keynote: The State of SA Publishing
Industry experts discuss trends for 2026 and beyond
LOCATION: Auditorium A
Workshop 2: Various
Hands-on sessions with subject experts.
LOCATION: Various
Reserve Your Space
Secure your spot for the ZA26 Retreat or Workshop. Spaces are strictly limited.